Henri Matisse (1869-1954), Odalisque, mains dans le dos

Henri Matisse (1869-1954)
Odalisque, mains dans le dos
signed ‘Henri-Matisse’ (lower right)
oil on canvas
26 1/8 x 19 ¾ in. (60 x 50 cm.)
Painted in Nice, 1923

Saleroom Notice
Please note that this work is displayed with a loaner frame for the exhibition, which is available for purchase.

Pre-Lot Text
Property from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Coles
Over the course of several years, buying at auction and from art dealers, Dr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Coles assembled an outstanding collection of Impressionist and Modern paintings. Like many of the most successful collectors, they made quality their paramount criterion for selection. This resulted in an impressive grouping that, though relatively small in number, features a compelling range of work. One theme, that of the female figure, takes center stage in three important pictures: from the freely-worked dashing energy of Manet’s L'Italienne and the dreamily atmospheric qualities of Degas’s Deux femmes appuyées à une barrière (Conversation), through to the glorious Odalisque, mains dans le dos by Matisse. This painting, in particular, that is perhaps the keystone of the Coles collection, represents Matisse at his most sumptuous. It’s a work steeped in the artist’s reverance for the past masters while also celebrating his profound joy in color. Christie’s is honored to be offering the Coles collection across our Impressionist & Modern Art sales this season.
Dr. Jerome S. Coles was a New York University graduate and surgeon in New York who, starting in the 1950s, was president of the Philip A. Hunt Chemical Corporation, a position he would hold for over twenty years. In his later years, Dr. Coles became chairman of the trustees of New York University Medical Center, trustee of New York University, and founding trustee of the Coles Foundation. The Foundation contributed to many institutions important to Dr. and Mrs. Coles, including NYU, Mount Sinai Hospital and the Central Park Conservancy. He and Geraldine Coles (née Hunt) were married for almost 50 years and together they developed a passion for Impressionist and Modern art.